Roohi Sultana, a marathon runner hailing from Tailbal locality of Srinagar city, has participated in 11 marathons, earning top positions in most of them. She recently secured 7th place in the International Kashmir Marathon 2024 etching success yet again while encouraging other women to prioritize their health and participate in such activities.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, 54-year-old Roohi Sultana said that her journey to recognition began after she participated in the 8-kilometre marathon organised by Jammu and Kashmir Police Marathon in November 2023, where she clinched the first position.
“That win was a turning point for me. It encouraged me to pursue marathons more seriously, and since then, I have not looked back,” she said.
So far in 2024, Roohi continued her winning streak by securing first place in the Dal Lake Half Marathon (5 kilometres) and the Jhelum Half Marathon (10 kilometres)
In the recent International Marathon held in Srinagar, she secured 7th place in the 21-kilometre race for the above-50 age category.
Her impressive record also includes winning first place in the Run for Stroke event organized by GMC Srinagar and securing second place in the Wular Marathon, (10 kilometres )competing against professional athletes. Just recently, on November 13, she once again claimed the top spot in the Run for Diabetes event.
“There were very few women from Kashmir who participated in these large events. Most of the participants were from outside J&K. This highlights how important it is for local women to get involved and prioritize their health. You have to work hard to achieve your dreams, but it’s worth it,” she said.
The school teacher credits her family’s unwavering support for her success in marathons.
Roohi said that her family’s encouragement, especially her brother Dr Sheikh Tariq and her husband Mr Suhail Bhat, are behind her success.
Roohi said her message to women, who are often tied up with daily routines, is that they should take time for themselves and get involved in activities that promote health and well-being.
“My message is simple: women should prioritize their well-being, in addition to managing daily responsibilities. We need to live for ourselves too,” she added.
Roohi’s advice to others is clear: never be discouraged, and always remain consistent.
“Health is crucial. Each day, I run or walk 5 to 7 kilometres. It has become a part of my routine. I am also interested in cycling. Time management is key to balancing everything,” she said.
In addition to her passion for running, Roohi was honored with the National Teachers Award in 2020. She has received National award for zero investment, all India Muslim professionals award and other prestigious awards as well for her unique teaching style.
With over 15 years of experience in education department, she is recognized for her innovative teaching methods.
“These awards gave me immense courage to do more for society,” Roohi said.
Apart from it, Roohi enjoys poetry, short stories, and translation. She has co-authored two books with another teacher, including Joyful Learning, a collection of lesson plans and activity based learning content for teachers, students, pre primary and primary schools, B.Ed, D.Ed students as well as very useful for CWSN.
“I have also translated over 40 NCERT books into Kashmiri language with the help of a close friend Dr Urfana Amin. We never waste time and always support each other,” she added.
Roohi holds a Master’s degree in both Urdu and Kashmiri languages, a B.Ed (Bachelor of Education), a three-year degree in calligraphy, and has completed a certificate course in Hindi, Diploma in ECCE and Inclusive Education.
Before joining the education department, Roohi worked as an announcer at All India Radio Srinagar. She also has experience as a drama artist and has hosted hundreds of radio programs in Urdu and Kashmiri.
“Through these programs, especially the ones involving women, I gained valuable insights as callers shared their experiences and views with us.”
Her journey with All India Radio started with a memorable moment: “I made an announcement on air, which caught the attention of the director. He called me in and encouraged me to pursue my Master’s in Urdu and Kashmiri, saying they would need me in the future.”
“Teaching has evolved over time. In the past, we often relied on imaginative teaching methods, but now teachers need to be more practical and innovative to simplify the learning process,” she added.
As a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE), Roohi has contributed to curriculum development.
She also worked during the COVID-19 pandemic, conducting online classes through All India Radio Srinagar for primary-level students.
“Every teacher strives to teach their best, but some struggle because they lack innovative techniques. To make learning more engaging, she has used everyday items like mango seeds, used tea leaves, foam, fabric bags, and even ice cream covers and trash bottles in her lessons,” Roohi said.
“These hands-on activities make learning math fun for students, and they absorb knowledge without realizing they’re learning.”
The innovative teacher further said that the pre-primary stage of education is critical for a child’s development, yet often overlooked.
“There is too much focus on cognitive development, while creative skills and self-expression are equally important. The play-way method, which uses activity-based learning, helps reinvigorate children and boosts their learning abilities,” she added.
